U.S. patent application number 12/575399 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-27 for virtual dashboard.
This patent application is currently assigned to CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.. Invention is credited to Dave Evans, Marc JP Girardot, Michael M. Schwarz, James Vila.
Application Number | 20100127847 12/575399 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42195707 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100127847 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Evans; Dave ; et
al. |
May 27, 2010 |
VIRTUAL DASHBOARD
Abstract
In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a dashboard including one
or more touchscreen displays; a wireless network interface; and
multiple icons for presentation by one or more of the touchscreen
displays to a user in the vehicle. Each of one or more of the icons
is configurable by the user through tactile interaction with the
icon via one or more of the touchscreen displays. Each of the icons
when presented to the user makes accessible to the user through one
or more of the touchscreen displays particular functionality. The
vehicle includes software associated with the icons that is
operable to render the icons on the touchscreen displays and
implement their functionality.
Inventors: |
Evans; Dave; (Los Altos
Hills, CA) ; Vila; James; (Danville, CA) ;
Girardot; Marc JP; (Paris, FR) ; Schwarz; Michael
M.; (Schaeftlarn, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER BOTTS L.L.P.
2001 ROSS AVENUE, SUITE 600
DALLAS
TX
75201-2980
US
|
Assignee: |
CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
San Jose
CA
|
Family ID: |
42195707 |
Appl. No.: |
12/575399 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61103564 |
Oct 7, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/461 ;
340/10.42; 345/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/04886 20130101;
G06F 2221/2149 20130101; H04Q 2213/13095 20130101; G06F 3/04817
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/461 ;
345/173; 340/10.42 |
International
Class: |
G09F 9/00 20060101
G09F009/00; G06F 3/041 20060101 G06F003/041; H04Q 5/22 20060101
H04Q005/22 |
Claims
1. A vehicle comprising: a dashboard comprising one or more
touchscreen displays; a wireless network interface; a plurality of
icons for presentation by one or more of the touchscreen displays
to a user in the vehicle, each of one or more of the icons being
configurable by the user through tactile interaction with the icon
via one or more of the touchscreen displays, each of the icons when
presented to the user making accessible to the user through one or
more of the touchscreen displays particular functionality, the
particular functionality comprising one or more of: conveying to
the user information associated with one or more aspects of
operation of the vehicle; conveying to the user information
associated with a functional status of each of one or more systems
of the vehicle; providing to the user access to one or more
applications or services, one or more of the applications or
services being configured to utilize the wireless network
interface; enabling the user to interact with one or more accessed
ones of the applications or services through tactile interaction
with the icon via one or more of the touchscreen displays; or
conveying to the user information from one or more accessed ones of
the applications or services; and software associated with the
icons that is operable to present the icons by the touchscreen
displays to the user and to implement their functionality.
2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein one or more of the icons are
each configurable with respect to one or more of: position on the
touchscreen displays; shape; size; color; or being hidden from
presentation to the user.
3. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising: one or more user
profiles for each of a plurality of different users, each user
profile indicating one or more settings for a particular one of the
different users with respect to one or more of: presentation of one
or more of the icons by one or more of the touchscreen displays to
the user in the vehicle; or the functionality of one or more of the
icons; one or more radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensors
that are operable to read one or more RFID-enabled devices that
each identify one or more particular ones of the different users;
and the software associated with the icons is further operable to:
access the user profile for a particular one of the different users
when identified; and present one or more of the icons by the
touchscreen displays or implement their functionality based on one
or more of the settings in the user profile for a particular one of
the different users when identified.
4. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a speech recognition
system operable to enable the user to access or interact with one
or more of the icons or their functionality by one or more audible
instructions.
5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the icons comprising
functionality for conveying to the user information associated with
one or more aspects of operation of the vehicle comprise one or
more of: a representation of a speedometer; a representation of a
tachometer; a representation of an odometer; a representation of a
fuel gauge; a representation of an oil-pressure gauge; or a
representation of an engine-temperature gauge.
6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the icons comprising
functionality for conveying to the user information associated with
a functional status of each of one or more systems of the vehicle
comprise one or more of: an indicator of the functional status of
an engine of the vehicle; an indicator of the functional status of
an antilock braking system (ABS) of the vehicle; an indicator of
the functional status of a drive train of the vehicle; an indicator
of air pressure in each of one or more tires of the vehicle; an
indicator of whether the user should have the vehicle checked by a
mechanic; or an indicator of whether the user should have one or
more fluids of the vehicle changed.
7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the icons comprising
functionality for providing to the user access to one or more
applications or services are arranged in a customizable menu for
presentation to the user by one or more of the touchscreen
displays.
8. A system comprising: a dashboard comprising one or more
touchscreen displays; a plurality of icons for presentation by one
or more of the touchscreen displays to a user in a vehicle, each of
one or more of the icons being configurable by the user through
tactile interaction with the icon via one or more of the
touchscreen displays, each of the icons when presented to the user
making accessible to the user through one or more of the
touchscreen displays particular functionality, the particular
functionality comprising one or more of: conveying to the user
information associated with one or more aspects of operation of the
vehicle; conveying to the user information associated with a
functional status of each of one or more systems of the vehicle;
providing to the user access to one or more applications or
services, one or more of the applications or services being
configured to utilize a wireless network interface on board the
vehicle; enabling the user to interact with one or more accessed
ones of the applications or services through tactile interaction
with the icon via one or more of the touchscreen displays; or
conveying to the user information from one or more accessed ones of
the applications or services; and software associated with the
icons that is operable to render the icons on the touchscreen
displays and implement their functionality.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein one or more of the icons are each
configurable with respect to one or more of: position on the
touchscreen displays; shape; size; color; or being hidden from
presentation to the user.
10. The system of claim 8, further comprising: one or more user
profiles for each of a plurality of different users, each user
profile indicating one or more settings for a particular one of the
different users with respect to one or more of: presentation of one
or more of the icons by one or more of the touchscreen displays to
the user in the vehicle; or the functionality of one or more of the
icons; one or more radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensors
that are operable to read one or more RFID-enabled devices that
each identify one or more particular ones of the different users;
and the software associated with the icons is further operable to:
access the user profile for a particular one of the different users
when identified; and present one or more of the icons by the
touchscreen displays or implement their functionality based on one
or more of the settings in the user profile for a particular one of
the different users when identified.
11. The system of claim 8, further comprising a speech recognition
system operable to enable the user to access or interact with one
or more of the icons or their functionality by one or more audible
instructions.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein the icons comprising
functionality for conveying to the user information associated with
one or more aspects of operation of the vehicle comprise one or
more of: a representation of a speedometer; a representation of a
tachometer; a representation of an odometer; a representation of a
fuel gauge; a representation of an oil-pressure gauge; or a
representation of an engine-temperature gauge.
13. The system of claim 8, wherein the icons comprising
functionality for conveying to the user information associated with
a functional status of each of one or more systems of the vehicle
comprise one or more of: an indicator of the functional status of
an engine of the vehicle; an indicator of the functional status of
an antilock braking system (ABS) of the vehicle; an indicator of
the functional status of a drive train of the vehicle; an indicator
of air pressure in each of one or more tires of the vehicle; an
indicator of whether the user should have the vehicle checked by a
mechanic; or an indicator of whether the user should have one or
more fluids of the vehicle changed.
14. The system of claim 8, wherein the icons comprising
functionality for providing to the user access to one or more
applications or services are arranged in a customizable menu for
presentation to the user by one or more of the touchscreen
displays.
15. A system comprising: a plurality of icons for presentation by
one or more of the touchscreen displays of a dashboard to a user in
a vehicle, each of one or more of the icons being configurable by
the user through tactile interaction with the icon via one or more
of the touchscreen displays, each of the icons when presented to
the user making accessible to the user through one or more of the
touchscreen displays particular functionality, the particular
functionality comprising one or more of: conveying to the user
information associated with one or more aspects of operation of the
vehicle; conveying to the user information associated with a
functional status of each of one or more systems of the vehicle;
providing to the user access to one or more applications or
services, one or more of the applications or services being
configured to utilize a wireless network interface on board the
vehicle; enabling the user to interact with one or more accessed
ones of the applications or services through tactile interaction
with the icon via one or more of the touchscreen displays; or
conveying to the user information from one or more accessed ones of
the applications or services; and software associated with the
icons that is operable to render the icons on the touchscreen
displays and implement their functionality.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein one or more of the icons are
each configurable with respect to one or more of: position on the
touchscreen displays; shape; size; color; or being hidden from
presentation to the user.
17. The system of claim 15, further comprising: one or more user
profiles for each of a plurality of different users, each user
profile indicating one or more settings for a particular one of the
different users with respect to one or more of: presentation of one
or more of the icons by one or more of the touchscreen displays to
the user in the vehicle; or the functionality of one or more of the
icons; one or more radio-frequency identification (RFID) sensors
that are operable to read one or more RFID-enabled devices that
each identify one or more particular ones of the different users;
and the software associated with the icons is further operable to:
access the user profile for a particular one of the different users
when identified; and present one or more of the icons by the
touchscreen displays or implement their functionality based on one
or more of the settings in the user profile for a particular one of
the different users when identified.
18. The system of claim 15, further comprising a speech recognition
system operable to enable the user to access or interact with one
or more of the icons or their functionality by one or more audible
instructions.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the icons comprising
functionality for conveying to the user information associated with
one or more aspects of operation of the vehicle comprise one or
more of: a representation of a speedometer; a representation of a
tachometer; a representation of an odometer; a representation of a
fuel gauge; a representation of an oil-pressure gauge; or a
representation of an engine-temperature gauge.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein the icons comprising
functionality for conveying to the user information associated with
a functional status of each of one or more systems of the vehicle
comprise one or more of: an indicator of the functional status of
an engine of the vehicle; an indicator of the functional status of
an antilock braking system (ABS) of the vehicle; an indicator of
the functional status of a drive train of the vehicle; an indicator
of air pressure in each of one or more tires of the vehicle; an
indicator of whether the user should have the vehicle checked by a
mechanic; or an indicator of whether the user should have one or
more fluids of the vehicle changed.
21. The system of claim 15, wherein the icons comprising
functionality for providing to the user access to one or more
applications or services are arranged in a customizable menu for
presentation to the user by one or more of the touchscreen
displays.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/103564,
entitled Virtual Dashboard With Wireless Internet Connectivity,
filed 7 Oct. 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to computer systems
for vehicles, and more particularly to configurable or interactive
touchscreen displays for vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Vehicles typically include features such as instrument
panels, audio systems, climate control systems, navigation systems,
and other vehicle features. Many vehicle features are independent
of each other. For example, vehicles typically have one set of
controls for the climate control system and a separate set of
controls for the audio system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates an example virtual dashboard in an
example vehicle.
[0005] FIG. 2A illustrates an example small-form factor
radio-frequency identification (RFID)-enabled device.
[0006] FIG. 2B illustrates example use of the device in FIG. 2A
with the virtual dashboard in FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates example translation of an example icon
across a touchscreen display of the virtual dashboard in FIG.
1.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates an example application menu for
presentation to a user via the virtual dashboard in FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates example icons for presentation to a user
via the virtual dashboard in FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates an example web browser accessible to a
user via the virtual dashboard in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates an example social-networking service
accessible to a user via the virtual dashboard in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates an example WEBEX interface accessible to
a user via the virtual dashboard in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates an example vehicle diagnostic interface
accessible to a user via the virtual dashboard in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates an example home-security alert to a user
via the virtual dashboard in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates an example video interface accessible to
a user via the virtual dashboard in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates an example computer system.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
Overview
[0017] In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a dashboard including
one or more touchscreen displays; a wireless network interface; and
multiple icons for presentation by one or more of the touchscreen
displays to a user in the vehicle. Each of one or more of the icons
is configurable by the user through tactile interaction with the
icon via one or more of the touchscreen displays. Each of the icons
when presented to the user makes accessible to the user through one
or more of the touchscreen displays particular functionality. The
vehicle includes software associated with the icons that is
operable to render the icons on the touchscreen displays and
implement their functionality.
Description
[0018] Particular embodiments relate to a virtual dashboard
suitable for use in a vehicle. By way of reference, a dashboard
(also referred to as a dash or "dial and switch housing") is
generally a control panel typically positioned, by way of example,
below the windshield of an automobile, and typically includes or
contains the instrumentation and controls pertaining to the
operation of the vehicle. By way of example, such instruments or
controls may include a speedometer, a tachometer, an odometer, a
fuel gauge, an engine temperature gauge, an oil pressure gauge, an
indicator for gear-shift position, a seat-belt warning indicator,
an engine malfunction indicator, inside and outside lighting
controls, heating and ventilation controls including inside and
outside temperature gauges, a clock, audio system controls, a
navigation system, among others. In various example embodiments,
the virtual dashboard may be particularly designed for an
automobile, such as a car, van, or truck; however, in alternate
embodiments, the virtual dashboard may be particularly suited for a
motorcycle, train, or various watercraft (e.g., boat, ship, etc.)
or aircraft (e.g., airplane, jet plane, helicopter, etc.) as well
as spacecraft or hovercraft. In particular embodiments, a virtual
dashboard includes an interactive display implemented via one or
more touchscreen displays in which one or more of the instruments
and controls, such as those described above, may be implemented via
interactive icons. Furthermore, in particular embodiments, the
virtual dashboard includes wireless internet connectivity
functionality for communicating over a wireless network (e.g., a
cellular network, a wireless local area network (WLAN), or wireless
wide area network (WWAN)) with other computing systems or servers
to transmit or receive information such as technical or diagnostic
information related to operation of the vehicle, GPS location
information, or information for interacting with or controlling
other systems including home security systems, among others, as
well as to enable internet browsing via a web browser rendered on
the virtual dashboard, social networking, or audio and video
conferencing.
[0019] In particular embodiments, the virtual dashboard is
customizable or configurable by a user (e.g., operator) of the
vehicle. By way of example, a user may add, remove, rearrange,
resize, reshape, or otherwise customize or reconfigure various
icons including instruments and controls displayed by the virtual
dashboard "on the fly" through interaction with a corresponding
touchscreen display. Furthermore, in particular embodiments, one or
more users of the vehicle may each store his or her preferences
within a storage medium located within the virtual dashboard or
elsewhere in the vehicle or via a portable storage device that may
then be accessed by the virtual dashboard prior to display of the
user's customized virtual dashboard components.
[0020] In particular embodiments, the virtual dashboard reduces or
eliminates the need for a car manufacturer to redesign and make new
dashboards for new model cars.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an example virtual dashboard 100 in an
example vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, virtual dashboard
100 includes three touchscreen displays 102a, 102b, and 102c
(hereinafter referred to as touchscreen displays 102 or
touchscreens 102), each of which may be angled to facilitate
viewing by the driver of the vehicle. In particular embodiments,
virtual dashboard 100 also includes an on-board vehicle computer
system (not shown) that may be positioned, for example, within or
behind virtual dashboard 100. Herein, reference to virtual
dashboard 100 may encompass one or more touchscreens as well as one
or more sensors, cameras, microphones, or speakers, where
appropriate. Reference to the virtual dashboard 100 may also
encompass one or more computer systems (e.g., the on-board computer
system) or software components providing the features or
functionality of the virtual dashboard 100 described herein.
[0022] In various embodiments, virtual dashboard 100 and
touchscreen displays 102 may span substantially the entire length
(or just a portion of the entire length) of the actual dashboard of
the vehicle. Touchscreen displays 102 may be implemented using any
suitable touchscreen display technology. By way of example, the
touchscreen portions of touchscreen displays 102 may be implemented
with capacitive, resistive, or surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensing
technologies while the display portions of touchscreen displays 102
may be implemented using liquid crystal display (LCD) technology,
light emitting diode (LED) technology, or organic LED (OLED)
technology, among other suitable display technologies.
Additionally, virtual dashboard 100 may include more than or fewer
than three touchscreen displays 102 in various alternate example
embodiments. In one particular alternate embodiment, virtual
dashboard 100 includes only one touchscreen display spanning
substantially the entire length of the actual dashboard of the
vehicle. In such a single display embodiment, the single
touchscreen display may be curved to facilitate viewing by the
driver of the vehicle. By way of example, OLED technology may be
used to implement such a curved touchscreen display.
[0023] A user (e.g., driver) of virtual dashboard 100 may interact
with touchscreen displays 102 via a finger or stylus, for example.
Additionally or alternately, a user may interact with virtual
dashboard 100 using spoken instructions captured with one or more
microphones positioned throughout the vehicle and processed via a
speech or audio recognition system implemented behind virtual
dashboard 100 or elsewhere in the vehicle. Additionally, the system
implementing virtual dashboard 100 may include one or more speakers
positioned throughout the vehicle for providing speech or other
audio feedback or instruction to the user. By way of example, a
virtual dashboard system may be configured to generate an
interactive virtual assistant for presentation to the user via
virtual dashboard 100. Such a virtual assistant may include various
anthropomorphic characteristics including speech. In alternate
embodiments, the virtual assistant may be heard but not be
presented visually to the user (In some embodiments, a user may
customize the virtual assistant one way or the other). Still
further, a user may additionally or alternately interact with
virtual dashboard 100 using physical motions captured via one or
more cameras positioned throughout the vehicle and processed via a
biometric-recognition system implemented behind virtual dashboard
100 or elsewhere in the vehicle.
[0024] As described above, a user's preferences or settings for
virtual dashboard 100 may be stored in the form of a user profile.
In particular embodiments, the profiles including preferences or
settings corresponding to each of one or more users of the vehicle,
along with one or more default virtual dashboard configurations,
may be stored within virtual dashboard 100. In such embodiments, a
user's profile including preferences or settings may be associated
with an RF identifier (RFID) or RFID tag in an RFID-enabled device,
such as, by way of example, a key, key fob, or other small-form
factor item. FIG. 2 illustrates an example small-form factor
RFID-enabled device 204 implemented in the form of a key fob. By
way of example, each user of the vehicle may have his or her own
such device 204 associated with his or her own profile. In some
embodiments, when a particular authorized user nears, enters, or
turns on the vehicle, the key 204 wirelessly transmits the user's
RFID to virtual dashboard 100 where the user's preferences or
settings are stored. By way of example, in particular embodiments,
virtual dashboard 100 may include one or more radio frequency
identification (RFID) sensors or readers 106 for automatically
detecting one or more RFID tags and subsequently, automatically
configuring virtual dashboard 100 based on the received RFID tag.
In FIG. 1, an RFID reader (sensor) 106 is located below virtual
dashboard 100; however, in alternate embodiments, RFID reader 106
may be located in any other suitable location. FIG. 2B illustrates
a user swiping or positioning a key 204 over RFID reader 106.
[0025] In particular embodiments, one or more touchscreen displays
102 or display portions of touchscreen displays 102 may be arranged
or divided, respectively, such that one or more touchscreen
displays 102 or display portions are specifically arranged for
viewing by the driver while one or more other touchscreen displays
102 or display portions are arranged for viewing by front or rear
passengers in the vehicle. The vehicle may further include one or
more other displays, including touchscreen displays, positioned at
one or more other locations throughout the vehicle (e.g., behind
the driver seat) that may be similarly activated using RFID-enabled
tags or keys.
[0026] In an alternate embodiment, virtual dashboard 100 may
include a device reader into which the user can plug a storage
device or medium that stores the user's profile. In another
embodiment, a user may access and choose his or her settings by
interacting with virtual dashboard 100 via one or more of the
touchscreens displays 102. In still other embodiments, a speech or
biometric recognition system may automatically detect the driver of
the vehicle and configure the virtual dashboard 100 according to
the driver's preferred settings. Still further, voice recognition,
biometric recognition, or both may be based on the user profile
associated with a particular RFID-enabled key 204.
[0027] In particular embodiments, one or more portions of the
virtual dashboard may be "carried" (via a mobile storage device
(which may be a component of a mobile telephone of the user)) or
communicated wirelessly to one or more monitors and other
components in the user's home or office or other location for use
there in a substantially similar fashion as in the vehicle. Changes
to the virtual dashboard entered by the user may be "carried" on a
device the user has, like a mobile telephone, and used to create a
substantially similar representation of one or more portions of the
virtual dashboard at a location remote to the vehicle. Such changes
may subsequently be transferred and implemented on virtual
dashboard 100.
[0028] Furthermore, configurable business rules may be assigned to
each profile and key 204 (if applicable). Such rules may be entered
by a master user (e.g., a parent or owner of a car) via one or more
interactive icons rendered via virtual dashboard 100. As an example
and not by way of limitation, business rules assigned to one or
more particular keys 204 (which may be keys belonging to one or
more teenage sons or daughters of the automobile owner) may limit
the automobile to being driven only within a determined radius
(such as 10 miles) of a particular location, such as a home, or
being driven only under a determine speed limit (such as 45 miles
per hour). A key may also be tied to media in the automobile: e.g.
music and video playlists and dashboard widgets and layout for a
particular driver. In particular embodiments, if a user violates
one or more of the rules, an on-board vehicle computer system
associated with virtual dashboard 100 may generate one or more
notifications to one or more predetermined addresses. For example,
the notifications to predetermined addresses may include a text
message to a predetermined telephone number or an e-mail to a
predetermined e-mail address. In particular embodiments, the
on-board vehicle computer system may require a password to modify
the rules.
[0029] In particular embodiments, virtual dashboard 100 and
touchscreen display 102a are configured to display icons or visual
components (hereinafter icons and visual components may be used
interchangeable with regard to the virtual dashboard) such as, by
way of example, start button 108, speedometer 110, tachometer 112,
odometer 114, and engine malfunction indicator 116. By way of
example, icons such as speedometer 110, tachometer 112, odometer
112 and other potentially displayed icons such as fuel, oil
pressure, and temperature gauges generally relate to the operation
of the vehicle while icons such as engine malfunction indicator 116
and other potentially displayed icons such as more specific
diagnostic indicators may generally relate to one or more
functional statuses of one or more vehicle components or systems
(e.g., anti-lock braking system, drive train, tire pressure, etc.).
These and other configurable icons may also indicate maintenance or
other service needs or suggestions (e.g., a "get engine serviced"
icon or "get oil change" icon). As an example and not by way of
limitation, touchscreen display 102b may be configured to display
an application, widget, or services menu 120 (as FIG. 4
illustrates) that includes various icons 122 representing various
selectable applications, widgets, or services available to the
user. Touchscreen display 102c may be configured to display a music
or video playlist 124, a clock 126, and a weather indicator 128
that may include the outside temperature and weather conditions for
a selected city or for the vehicles current location (e.g., as
specified via GPS coordinates). Still other icons may include
functionality relating to control of an audio or video system
(e.g., volume and equalizer controls as well as playback controls
for audio and video media) or to inside temperature controls.
[0030] As described above, the display of the components of virtual
dashboard 100 may be highly configurable, with one or more of the
icons being resizable, moveable, capable of changing color, shape,
or other "skin" characteristics, capable of being closed or open,
according to particular needs and preferences of a particular user.
A user may even be able to download or otherwise import various
customized icons 122. As is also described above, a user may
provide input to the virtual dashboard 100 through tactile
interaction with (e.g., touching) a touchscreen 102 of the virtual
dashboard 100. Alternately or additionally, a user may provide
input to virtual dashboard 100 through spoken instructions through
voice-recognition functionality, or visually through a camera with
biometric-recognition functionality. By way of example and not by
way of limitation, referring to FIG. 3, a user may touch a
touchscreen (e.g., 102a) displaying an icon representing a
tachometer (e.g., icon 112) where the icon is displayed and
manually drag or flick the icon to a different location on the
touchscreen or to a different touchscreen (e.g., 102b or 102c) of
the virtual dashboard 100. As another example, the user may speak
out loud instructions to the virtual dashboard asking virtual
dashboard 100 to open an application or activate one or more
features associated with an icon on the virtual dashboard and,
through voice-recognition functionality, the virtual dashboard may
execute the instructions of the user. As another example, the user
may shake his or head from side to side indicating a negative
response to a question the virtual dashboard 100 has audibly or
visually presented to the user, and through a camera in or on the
virtual dashboard and through biometric-recognition functionality,
the virtual dashboard may carry out one or more processes according
to the response communicated by the user. In particular
embodiments, the virtual dashboard further includes emotion
recognition functionality that uses input from one or more cameras,
one or more microphones, or both of the virtual dashboard 100.
[0031] As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, in
particular embodiments, the virtual dashboard 100 may display a
menu or collection 120 (e.g., a "widget drawer") of icons 122
representing associated applications, services, or widgets
available to the user through the virtual dashboard 100. The menu
120 may itself be represented by a configurable icon enabling the
user to open or close the menu by touching the icon. By way of
example, upon touching (e.g., selecting) an icon 122, the icon may
morph into or be replaced by an icon or interface providing access
to the corresponding application. In one example embodiment, the
icon or interface rendered after touching an associated icon 122
may be displayed in the region formerly occupied by menu 120; that
is, the subsequent icon or interface may be rendered in place of
the menu 120. A user may then close the subsequent icon or
interface via, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a
subsequent touch to a specified "close" button thereby causing
virtual dashboard 100 to close the icon and re-render the menu 120.
In alternate embodiments, the subsequent icon or interface may be
rendered in a different position.
[0032] Example applications or services include may include home
integration applications or services accessible via touching (e.g.,
selecting) icon 430. As another example, home security features
(e.g., turning on or off a home security system or lighting) may be
accessible via touching (e.g., selecting) icon 432. As another
example, maintenance scheduling may be accessible via touching
(e.g., selecting) icon 434. As another example, an electronic,
interactive owner's manual may be accessible via touching (e.g.,
selecting) icon 436. As another example, a web browser may be
accessible via touching (e.g., selecting) icon 438. By way of
example, FIG. 6 illustrates an example web browser 439 rendered
over a portion of menu 120 after selecting icon 438. Further, in an
example embodiment a virtual keyboard or mouse may also be rendered
in close proximity to web browser 439 upon selecting icon 438. As
another example, an application providing features and functions
similar to those provided by LOOPT (or access to LOOPT itself) may
be accessible via touching (e.g., selecting) icon 440. FIG. 7
illustrates an example screen or interface that may be rendered
over or in proximity to menu 120 after selecting icon 440 (again a
virtual keyboard and mouse may also be automatically displayed). As
another example, one or more real-time or historical stock-quote
services may be accessible via touching (e.g., selecting) icon 442.
As another example, one or more real-time or historical news
services may be accessible via touching (e.g., selecting) icon 444.
As another example, one or more real-time or historical weather
services may be accessible via touching (e.g., selecting) icon 446.
As another example, a music application (such as a media player
with stored music files) or service (such as satellite radio) may
be accessible via touching (e.g., selecting) icon 448, which, in
one embodiment, may cause playlist 124 to be rendered. As another
example, a video application (such as a media player with stored
video files) or service (such as satellite video or television) may
be accessible via touching (e.g., selecting) icon 450, which, in
one embodiment, may cause a video window to be displayed that plays
a video. As another example, a virtual keyboard may be accessible
via touching (e.g., selecting) icon 452. The virtual keyboard
rendered after selecting icon 452 may then be used to provide input
to one or more other applications rendered by virtual dashboard
100. As another example, one or more global-positions system (GPS)
enabled maps, navigation features or systems (including one or more
real-time traffic services) may be accessible via touching (e.g.,
selecting) icon 454. As another example, a web conferencing
application, such as WEBEX may be accessible via touching (e.g.,
selecting) icon 456. In an example embodiment, selecting icon 456
may result in the rendering of a calendar as illustrated in FIG. 8
as well as an interface for viewing video or documents. As another
example, one or more videoconferencing applications or features may
be accessible via selecting (e.g., touching) icon 458, resulting in
an interface that displays one or more live or other video feeds of
other users who have joined the videoconference. Further example
icons may provide access to one or more concierge or other
automobile telematics features or services, one or more emergency
or roadside assistance services, or one or more dealer integration
features or services. Other example applications or services that
menu 120 may include are a user profile setup application, an
application for identifying the closest gas stations or gas
stations within a certain radius having the best gasoline prices
and displaying maps to the same, or voice-controlled multimedia
(music, movies, etc.) applications, the content of which the
virtual dashboard may wirelessly synchronize with content stored by
the user at a multimedia system at the user's home or office or
other location.
[0033] The present disclosure contemplates any suitable menu 120
including any suitable applications or services available to the
user through icons 122 rendered on one or more of the touchscreen
displays 102 of virtual dashboard 100. In particular embodiments,
as new applications for the automobile are developed and become
available, the virtual dashboard 100 may download them for access
and use by a user. A manufacturer of the automobile or a service
provide may charge one or more fees (such as monthly or per use
fees) for access to one or more applications or services through
the virtual dashboard.
[0034] In particular embodiments, virtual dashboard 100 is
network-enabled via a wireless network interface and capable of
communicating wirelessly with one or more particular networks, such
as one or more portions of the Internet via one or more portions of
a cellular telephone or other wireless network. In particular
embodiments, the wireless network interface may communicate with
external computing devices, systems or servers over on or more
wireless networks, such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) or
a wireless wide area network (WWAN). For example, the wireless
network interface may include an antenna and transceiver to
communicate with any appropriate type of WLAN (such as a WLAN based
on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
802.11 standard) or any appropriate wireless stand-alone devices
(such as Bluetooth-enabled devices). As another example, the
wireless network interface may include an antenna and transceiver
to communicate with any appropriate global positioning system
(GPS). The wireless network interface further communicates with the
on-board vehicle computer system to display information to a user.
Additionally or alternately, a user may be able to couple his or
her cellular phone to virtual dashboard 100 to provide wireless
functionality.
[0035] As an example and not by way of limitation, the engine
malfunction indicator icon 116 may switch on (e.g., be rendered by
one of touchscreens 102 as a result of one or more technical issues
with the automobile's engine or associated components or systems.
The user (who may be the driver of the automobile) may touch the
touchscreen 102 at or near the display of the icon 116, and the
automobile may communicate a diagnostic code for the technical
issue to one or more social or other networks to find a potential
cause of or potential solution to the technical issue. In addition
or as an alternative, virtual dashboard 100 may communicate with a
dealership or mechanic to obtain similar information, according to
particular needs. The social network may return a video or tutorial
or other information for display on one or more of the touchscreens
102 explaining the problem, its possible cause, or a possible
solution to the user. Selecting icon 116 may also cause a
diagnostic illustration of the vehicle to be rendered by virtual
dashboard as illustrated in FIG. 9. Such a diagnostic illustration
may further be supplemented with access to videos or other
suggestions for resolving technical issues with the vehicle or
access to communicate (e.g., using a virtual phone) with a
mechanic.
[0036] In particular embodiments, virtual dashboard 100 may be able
to communicate with a home of the owner of the vehicle. As an
example and not by way of limitation, virtual dashboard 100 may
receive input from the user providing instructions for one or more
systems of the home (e.g., lighting or security systems) to execute
and communicate the instructions to the home for execution prior to
the user arriving at home. As another example, virtual dashboard
100 may receive from the home a notification of an incident at the
home for notification to the user. The home, through one or more
user presence systems or methods, may "know" the user is not at the
home. (For example, an RFID tag on the user or a device on the user
or a mobile phone of the user may enable the home to detect the
user leaving the home. The virtual dashboard 100, one or more user
presence systems or methods may "know" the user is in the
automobile. (For example, the RFID-enabled key of the user being in
the automobile may enable the virtual dashboard 100 to detect the
presence of the user in the automobile.) The home may locate the
user by communicating with the virtual dashboard 100 and then
communicate a message to the virtual dashboard for display by
touchscreens 102 that there has been an incident at the home as
illustrated in FIG. 10. The message may also be communicated to a
mobile telephone or other device of the user in addition or as an
alternative to being communicated to the virtual dashboard 100. The
virtual dashboard 100 may then display in a window rendered by one
of the touchscreens 102 of the virtual dashboard 100 a video of the
incident as recorded by an automatically activated camera when the
event (such as a delivery man ringing the doorbell to leave a
package) occurred as illustrated in FIG. 11. The threshold for
determining whether to notify the user in the automobile or
elsewhere may be set to whatever level the user may want, e.g.,
only when a security system at the home has detected a break in or
a fire.
[0037] In particular embodiments, when the vehicle is due for
maintenance, virtual dashboard 100 may automatically notify the
user via an icon displayed by a touchscreen 102 that the automobile
is due for maintenance. In particular embodiments, upon display of
such an icon, a user may touch the icon to access additional
information associated with the underlying maintenance issue. By
way of example, the maintenance icon 116 may itself not provide
specific information as to which component or system of the vehicle
requires maintenance; rather, upon the user touching the icon 116,
the icon may morph into a subsequent icon that provides such
additional information. Alternately, upon touching the icon 116,
virtual dashboard 100 may display a second icon in the place of or
in addition to icon 116 that provides the user with the additional
information related to the underlying maintenance or other issue.
In particular embodiments, virtual dashboard 100 may then access
(via the wireless network interface) a schedule at a dealership or
other mechanic shop (e.g., a preferred dealership or shop specified
earlier by the user or the nearest dealership or mechanic shop as
determined via GPS information) and compare the schedule with a
calendar input earlier by the user (e.g., either manually or
automatically by accessing a calendar within the user's cellular
phone) to find one or more mutually available times for maintenance
on the vehicle. The network-enabling of the virtual dashboard may
enable the virtual dashboard to check the dealership's calendar.
The user may select one of the identified dates (via one of the
touchscreens 102 or one of the microphones) and the virtual
dashboard 100 may then automatically schedule the appointment with
the dealer.
[0038] In particular embodiments, virtual dashboard 100 may include
functionality for voice-print analysis, which may enable the
virtual dashboard to authenticate the user. As an example and not
by way of limitation, virtual dashboard 100 may unlock a door to
the vehicle based on the voice recognition and voice-print analysis
if the user has locked himself or herself out of the vehicle,
without the user having to contact an agent at a call center to
have the vehicle unlocked remotely. In particular embodiments,
virtual dashboard may be able to auditorily or visually identify
the user for authentication purposes.
[0039] In particular embodiments, one or more ruggedized integrated
services routers (ISRs) or other computer systems onboard the
vehicle may collectively provide the input, output, processing, and
wireless functionality of the virtual dashboard. The computer
systems may include any suitable combination of hardware, software,
or both for carrying out the features and functionality of the
virtual dashboard 100 described herein. The computer systems may
include multiple blades or cards for particular features or
functions that may be readily replaced as enhanced,
next-generation, superceding, or otherwise different features or
functions become available.
[0040] FIG. 12 illustrates an example computer system 500 that may
be suitable for use in implementing various example embodiments of
the virtual dashboard 100 described herein. As an example and not
by way of limitation, one or more computer systems may execute
particular logic or software to perform one or more steps of one or
more processes described or illustrated with respect to virtual
dashboard 100. One or more of the computer systems may be unitary
or distributed, spanning multiple computer systems or multiple
datacenters, where appropriate. The present disclosure contemplates
any suitable computer system. Herein, reference to logic may
encompass software, and vice versa, where appropriate. Reference to
software may encompass one or more computer programs, and vice
versa, where appropriate. Reference to software may encompass data,
instructions, or both, and vice versa, where appropriate.
Similarly, reference to data may encompass instructions, and vice
versa, where appropriate.
[0041] One or more computer-readable media may store or otherwise
embody software implementing particular embodiments. A
computer-readable medium may be any medium capable of carrying,
communicating, containing, holding, maintaining, propagating,
retaining, storing, transmitting, transporting, or otherwise
embodying software, where appropriate. A computer-readable medium
may be a biological, chemical, electronic, electromagnetic,
infrared, magnetic, optical, quantum, or other suitable medium or a
combination of two or more such media, where appropriate. A
computer-readable medium may include one or more nanometer-scale
components or otherwise embody nanometer-scale design or
fabrication. Example computer-readable media include, but are not
limited to, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs),
compact discs (CDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), floppy
disks, floptical disks, hard disks, holographic storage devices,
magnetic tape, caches, programmable logic devices (PLDs),
random-access memory (RAM) devices, read-only memory (ROM) devices,
semiconductor memory devices, and other suitable computer-readable
media.
[0042] Software implementing particular embodiments may be written
in any suitable programming language (which may be procedural or
object oriented) or combination of programming languages, where
appropriate. Any suitable type of computer system (such as a
single- or multiple-processor computer system) or systems may
execute software implementing particular embodiments, where
appropriate. A general-purpose computer system may execute software
implementing particular embodiments, where appropriate.
[0043] The components in FIG. 5 are examples only and do not limit
the scope of use or functionality of any hardware, software,
embedded logic component, or a combination of two or more such
components implementing particular embodiments. Computer system 500
may have any suitable physical form, including but not limited to
one or more integrated circuits (ICs), printed circuit boards
(PCBs), mobile handheld devices (such as mobile telephones or
PDAs), laptop or notebook computers, distributed computer systems,
computing grids, or servers. Computer system 500 includes a display
532 (e.g., implemented via touchscreens 102), one or more input
devices 533 including touchscreen displays 102 (input devices 533
may also include, for example, include a keypad, a keyboard, a
mouse, a stylus, etc.), one or more output devices 534 (which may,
for example, include one or more speakers), one or more storage
devices 535, and various storage media 536.
[0044] Bus 540 connects a wide variety of subsystems. Herein,
reference to a bus encompasses one or more digital signal lines
serving a common function, where appropriate. Bus 540 may be any of
several types of bus structures including a memory bus, a
peripheral bus, or a local bus using any of a variety of bus
architectures. As an example and not by way of limitation, such
architectures include an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,
an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus,
a Video Electronics Standards Association local bus (VLB), a
Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, a PCI-Express (PCI-X)
bus, and an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) bus.
[0045] Processor(s) 501 (or central processing unit(s) (CPU(s)))
optionally contains a cache memory unit 502 for temporary local
storage of instructions, data, or computer addresses. Processor(s)
501 are coupled to storage devices including memory 503. Memory 503
includes random access memory (RAM) 504 and read-only memory (ROM)
505. ROM 505 may act to communicate data and instructions
unidirectionally to processor(s) 501, and RAM 504 may act to
communicate data and instructions bidirectionally with processor(s)
501. ROM 505 and RAM 504 may include any suitable computer-readable
media described below. Fixed storage 508 is connected
bidirectionally to processor(s) 501, optionally through storage
control unit 507. Fixed storage 508 provides additional data
storage capacity and may also include any suitable
computer-readable media described below. Storage 508 may be used to
store operating system 509, EXECs 510, data 511, application
programs 512, and the like. Typically, storage 508 is a secondary
storage medium (such as a hard disk) that is slower than primary
storage. Information in storage 508 may, in appropriate cases, be
incorporated as virtual memory in memory 503.
[0046] Processor(s) 501 is connected to multiple interfaces, such
as graphics control 521, video interface 522, input interface 523,
output interface 524, and storage interface 525. These interfaces
are in turn connected to appropriate devices, as illustrated. In
general, an input/output (I/O) device may be a video display, a
track ball, a mouse, a keyboard, a microphone, a touch-sensitive
display, a transducer card reader, a magnetic- or paper-tape
reader, a tablet, a stylus, a voice or handwriting recognizer, a
biometrics reader, another computer systems, or other suitable I/O
device or a combination of two or more such I/O devices.
Processor(s) 501 may connect to another computer system or to
telecommunications network 530 (which may include network 12)
through network interface 520. With network interface 520, CPU 501
may communicate with network 530 in the course of performing one or
more steps of one or more processes described or illustrated
herein, according to particular needs. Moreover, one or more steps
of one or more processes described or illustrated herein may
execute solely at CPU 501. In addition or as an alternative, one or
more steps of one or more processes described or illustrated herein
may execute at multiple CPUs 501 that are remote from each other
across network 530.
[0047] In particular embodiments, when computer system 500 is
connected to network 530, computer system 500 may communicate with
other devices connected to network 530. Communications to and from
computer system 500 may be sent through network interface 520. For
example, network interface 520 may receive incoming communications
(such as requests or responses from other devices) in the form of
one or more packets (such as Internet Protocol (IP) packets) from
network 530 and computer system 500 may store the incoming
communications in memory 503 for processing. Computer system 500
may similarly store outgoing communications (such as requests or
responses to other devices) in the form of one or more packets in
memory 503 and communicated to network 530 from network interface
520. Processor(s) 501 may access these communication packets stored
in memory 503 for processing.
[0048] Particular embodiments include storage with one or more
computer-readable media encoding computer-executable code for
carrying out computer-implemented operations. The media and
computer-executable code may be specially designed or created for
particular embodiments or well known and available to a person
having ordinary skill in the art. Examples of computer-readable
media include, but are not limited to, magnetic media (such as hard
disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape), optical media (such as
CD-ROMs and holographic devices), magneto-optical media (such as
floptical disks), and hardware devices specially configured to
store and execute code, such as application-specific ICs (ASICs),
programmable logic devices (PLDs), and ROM and RAM devices.
Examples of computer-code include machine code, such as code
produced by a compiler, and files containing higher-level code that
a computer may execute with an interpreter.
[0049] Computer system 500 may provide functionality as a result of
processor(s) 501 executing software embodied in one or more
computer-readable storage media, such as memory 503. Memory 503 may
store software that implements particular embodiments, and
processor(s) 501 may execute the software. Memory 503 may read the
software from one or more other computer-readable media (such as
mass storage device(s) 535) or from one or more other sources
through a suitable interface, such as network interface 520. The
software may cause processor(s) 501 to carry out one or more
processes or one or more steps of one or more processes described
or illustrated herein. Carrying out such processes or steps may
include defining data structures stored in memory 503 and modifying
the data structures as directed by the software. In addition or as
an alternative, computer system 500 may provide functionality as a
result of logic hardwired or otherwise embodied in a circuit, which
may operate in place of or together with software to execute one or
more processes or one or more steps of one or more processes
described or illustrated herein. Herein, reference to software may
encompass logic, and vice versa, where appropriate. Moreover,
reference to a computer-readable medium may encompass a circuit
(such as an IC) storing software for execution, a circuit embodying
logic for execution, or both, where appropriate. The present
disclosure encompasses any suitable combination of hardware,
software, or both.
[0050] The present disclosure encompasses all changes,
substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the
example embodiments described herein that a person having ordinary
skill in the art would comprehend. Similarly, where appropriate,
the appended claims encompass all changes, substitutions,
variations, alterations, and modifications to the example
embodiments described herein that a person having ordinary skill in
the art would comprehend.
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